Campbell set to hang up spikes

DARREN CAMPBELL has confirmed he will "definitely be retiring in the next week" as he reiterated he has no regrets about his anti-drugs stance at the European Championships where he refused to share in Great Britain's 4x100metres relay celebrations.

DARREN CAMPBELL has confirmed he will "definitely be retiring in the next week" as he reiterated he has no regrets about his anti-drugs stance at the European Championships where he refused to share in Great Britain's 4x100metres relay celebrations.

The 32-year-old is Britain's most successful sprinter behind his coach Linford Christie with medals at Olympic, World, Commonwealth and European level.

However, he is set to make his final bow following appearances at the Celtic Cup in Falkirk and the Norwich Union International in Birmingham at the weekend.

Campbell said: "I believe I've given my all for my country. I feel extremely proud and privileged to have been able to wear the British vest with pride but you know, in life everything comes to an end so I'll definitely be retiring in the next week."

Following the relay squad's victory on Sunday, Campbell did not join his team-mates Dwain Chambers, Marlon Devonish and Mark Lewis-Francis on the lap of honour.

Instead, he did a television interview which he now acknowledges was incoherent to viewers and media alike.

Initially it was thought the former Olympic 200m runner-up was protesting about Chambers being reinstated into the side on his return to championship racing after a two-year drugs suspension.

But Campbell insisted he fully supported the return of Chambers to the British side and still wished him well.

The Sale Harrier admitted he should have planned it better and conveyed the message he was attacking unscrupulous drug pedlars rather than his team-mate.

Campbell, however, is eager Chambers names and shames the suppliers who brought about his downfall.

"He's been accepted back into the fold by everyone and still has the chance to do it," said Campbell.